Foreward from the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Arab Republic of Egypt

One of the main concerns of the Arab Republic of Egypt taps on the needs of the most vulnerable social groups, which is reflected in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
This prompted the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development to issue this introductory manual that responds to the needs of different social group; especially women. This manual sets a framework that details controls for analyzing and responding to the needs of women, children and people with disabilities, when developing the annual plan for sustainable development. Moreover, it underlines the tools and mechanisms that should be employed to integrate social groups in all stages of the project study; identifying the needs, designing and implementing the project, in addition to following up on the impacts of various developmental projects and programs.
Egypt was proactive in taking precautionary measures to deal with the covid-19 pandemic, with swift responses that dealt with its socio-economic repercussions through concerted government efforts to respond and to rebuild, protecting its most vulnerable groups, especially women. Among the most prominent measures taken is the preparation of the first manual for a Gender-Responsive Sustainable Development Plan, emphasizing the importance of:

• Directing public institutions towards the implementation of development programs and projects through elevating the social aspect for women and children.
• Giving priority for financing to these programs and projects within the state’s plans.
• Creating conducive and inclusive work environment for women to enhance efforts in women economic empowerment within the labor market.

We believe that this manual represents a reference document that aims to enable ministries and development agencies to understand and implement gender-responsive planning based on a thorough and conscious study of global experiences within this regard. It also includes a detailed study of the Sustainable Development Goals set by Egypt in its vision for the future and of all laws, legislation and strategies issued by various agencies that serve the goal of comprehensive planning without leaving anyone behind.